Most of us have this little voice - and by most of us I'm thinking about ME - and I really mean ME ... a voice that tells you something you're working on, something you think is off the chain and the best idea ever.... think on it too long and your subconscious will tell you that maybe, just maybe the idea is crazy. That you're stupid for having thought about it. It's something you're crazy to try.
Am I the only one who hears these thoughts? I can't be.
But it's as if for a moment the thoughts are laughing at you. There's no way the idea will catch on. That somehow, asking for that collaboration, printing those photos for an impromptu art show is crazy; that maybe there's nothing really interesting about the work you're doing and no one will like it.
On the contrary - I want to offer a rebuttal - when you begin to hear those voices, it's when you're on the right track. Funny how those thoughts don't begin until you're months into a project, years into something or are about to begin something larger than yourself. It's something you need to understand will come no matter what. It's something you'll need to learn to work and navigate around.
Because if you don't - you won't ever be able to get shit done. And you absolutely have shit to do. But when the voices begin, don't let them linger too long. You have to laugh at them. You can absolutely listen to what they're saying. You have a right. There might even be a gem or several in there as we know it. Mostly, there's doubt, stalling and procrastination. Don't let it get the best of you.
Your job is to keep it going. Whatever your projects and passions are, your main objective is to make sure you see them to completion. It's to make sure they see the light of day. If nothing else, it's to make sure you glean what you can from the process, from the journey.
I can't tell you how many times I've thought some of the most precious things I've been working on are incredibly foolish or stupid. Or I've felt extremely vulnerable when posting something or sharing photos. So far? I've been thankful but shy every time I press publish or have the opportunity to share with someone.
Keep at it. Until the finish line.
Love,
Rae